Centre for Islamic Studies, Islamic University of Indonesia (PSI UII), on Sunday-Tuesday, March 11-13, is hosting International Conference on “Islam and Human Rights: Theories and Practices in Contemporary Indonesia. In this conference, several important figure attending as speaker are Head of the School of Law at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London, Prof. Mashood A. Baderin, Dr. Jeremy Kingsle (Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore), Prof. Masykuri Abdillah (UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta). The objectives of this event are to share the recent research output, and discuss the cotemporary human rights issues.

In his opening remark, Dr. Drs. Muntoha,SH., M.Ag, highly appreciated this event. He also conveyed his gratitude to the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) which has made this conference possible. “As the Director of Centre for Islamic Studies, I have the pleasure to welcome you all her. My deepest thanks also go to Norwegian Centre for Human Rights (NCHR).” Said Muntoha while delivering his welcoming speech.

In this occasion, UII Vice Rector I, Nandang Sutrisno, SH., L.LM., Ph.D, also explained about the discourse of Islam and human rights which becomes the theme of discussion up to the present time. “It not only deals with the question on the compatibility with universal human rights, but also with its implementation in the current context.” He uttered. However, there were any experts considering that the issues of democracy and the issues of modernism were incompatible with Islamic culture. It seemed that the universal human rights can not be forcedly integrated into the Islamic culture.

Still according to Nandang, in the Indonesian context, the practice of human rights may be considered as less satisfying. There were many causal factors that hamper its implementation, such as political problems, the dualism in judiciary, and trial procedures. One of the most up-to-date issues related to religious radicalism. The issue was considered to be in a contradiction with human rights and in the last few decade the issues has shaken our stability as a nation and a state.

Meanwhile, Knut D. Asplud as the Programme Director of Indonesia Programme at Norwegian Centre for Human Right highlighted his perspective that Islam and human rights both constitute normative regimes that have influenced how law has been formulated and practiced in Indonesia. “Hence, the theme presented in this conference is highly relevant within the context of contemporary Indonesia.” He emphasized.

On the same occasion, RM Atsungkoro, SH, M.Hum who was the representative of Yogyakarta Governor, mentioned that though, Yogyakarta has a larger Muslim population, it does not mean that Islam dominates the religious life in Yogyakarta. “Non-Moslems have equal rights in our society.”

This conference includes paper presentation from expert speaker and interactive dialogue.